The Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16 has broken cover and in this week’s Racecraft & Race Cars Roundup I have the details. I also have more racecraft tips for both on and off the track, 2026 provisional FIA Driver Categorisations and much more!
Overview
Racecraft Tips & Techniques
Hydration Guidelines for Motorsport
Pitfit have put together an excellent guide to hydration in motorsport. “Even a 2% drop in body water can decrease focus, reaction time, and endurance on track. Stay ahead with consistent hydration. Use electrolytes to stay sharp and ready. Here are in-depth guidelines below.”
More Racecraft Advice from Grassroots Motorsport
Here are a few more racecraft articles from Grassroots Motorsports that you may find helpful.
- Randy Pobst: How to pass when you have the slower car
- Improve your lap times with a simple speed/distance graph
- My tips for quickly learning a new race track
On the Throttle
OptimumG’s data master expands our knowledge of data analysis techniques by looking at what happens when you are on the throttle. “The tricky part is applying the correct amount of throttle. A driver can easily apply too much, too little, too fast or too slow. As a driver moves to higher racing series, which typically means more engine power, the more difficult it is to find the perfect throttle modulation.”
Be Honest If You Need to Improve
Why Your Driving Always Needs to be a Bit Wrong
Terence Dove explains why your driving always needs to be a bit wrong.
Mental Fitness in Motorsport: the Hidden Track of Success
Mental fitness is the hidden track of success. It’s the ability to stay focused, resilient and calm under pressure, to process information quickly and to bounce back from mistakes. Maja Czarzasty-Zybert explains that for some, especially those who are neurodiverse, mental fitness can offer a unique edge, but also unique challenges. Read more at Motorsport Prospects.
Rolex Presents: Tom Kristensen – Don’t Blink
Motor sport legend Tom Kristensen has won the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans a record nine times. In “Don’t Blink”, part of an exclusive documentary series about the Rolex family, he describes the extreme focus needed to achieve that special feat and reach the pinnacle of endurance racing. You can watch the video above.
2026 Provisional FIA Driver Categorisations Released
The always widely anticipated provisional FIA Driver Categorization for 2026 were recently released. All regradings are subject to appeal (and further review) with the final 2026 categorisations due to be published next month. Daily Sportscar has the details.
Race Car & Series Developments
IMSA’s Porsche Carrera Cup: How Amateurs Fuel Growth
Amateur racers now make up over half the Porsche Carrera Cup North America grid, proving how tiered class structures are reshaping revenue and redefining IMSA’s entry-level motorsports model. Vantage explains why.
‘Gentleman’ Drivers Expected to Fill ‘Friendly’ Mustang Cup Australia
Mustang Cup Australia entrant Keith Kassulke expects the new one-make series to be flush with older, so-called ‘gentleman’ drivers. “I think the way the category has been set up, it’s going to be good for all drivers whether they’re young guys coming up or the gentlemen just wanting to race, which I think there might be quite a few of the latter.”
Introducing the New Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16
The Mercedes-AMG Motorsport portfolio is expanding to include a new, highly attractive model: the Mercedes-AMG GT2 Edition W16. The comprehensive further development of the Mercedes-AMG GT2, unveiled at the end of 2022, combines the fundamental characteristics of the base model with technical and stylistic references to the current Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E PERFORMANCE.
Its outstanding power-to-weight ratio and numerous new aerodynamic components, such as the active louvres above the front wheels, a Push2Pass function and the integrated Drag Reduction System (DRS), make the GT2 Edition W16 the most powerful Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing car of all time.
Get more details here.
Defender Rally Completes First Test with D7X-R
Defender Rally, the new Dakar and rally raid program from JLR, has completed its first test with its Defender Dakar D7X-R in the Sahara Desert. “It’s been a fantastic week of testing with the Defender Rally team in the first competition-spec Defender Dakar D7X-R,” said 14-time Dakar Rally winner Peterhansel. “Coming to places like Erfoud in Morocco – where we can push ourselves and the D7X-R really hard over long distances – is critically important for us as the Dakar Rally is over 8,000km with around 5,000km of timed stages on similar types of extreme terrain.”
2026 Calendar News
- 2026 GT Open Calendar Published
- Euroformula 2026 Calendar: the Barcelona round moved to 23-25 October
- FR Americas, F4 U.S. and Ligier Junior Formula Championship Unveil 2026 Schedules
- New venues sprinkled throughout the 2026 ChampCar schedule
- The NASA Championships move to Sebring for 2026
- Saudi Arabian F4 attracts Red Bull juniors and world champion to grid
- 24H Series Calendar Revealed, Nürburgring Round Added
- Alpine ELF Cup Series integrated into the French FFSA GT Championship from 2026
- The Bend to host Super Series opener in 2026
- TCR UK confirms seven round 2026 calendar
From the Sim Racing Roundup
How Sim Racing Contributes to Real-World Success
How sim racing can help you achieve real-world success is the focus of last week’s Sim Racing Roundup as I bring you the details on how sim racers fared at the recent Nürburgring GT3. All this and much more!
Racing & Testing Opportunities
Ferrari Challenge Test Drives
FF Corse, together with Ferrari North Europe, are offering Ferrari Challenge test drives for those interested in Ferrari Challenge activities for 2026 on November 12th. Together, they have secured exclusive usage of Silverstone’s International Circuit, ultilsing the F1 Wing pits and paddock for the ultimate introduction to the world of Ferrari Challenge.
This is the perfect opportunity for you to get on track and experience a Ferrari Challenge car ahead of the 2026 season, for both Challenge UK and Club Challenge UK.
What’s Included:
- Ferrari Challenge Hire
- Full Technical Support
- Professional Driver Coach
- Briefing and Demonstration Laps
- Racewear Hire
- Fuel and Tyres
- 45 minute session in either a 488 Challenge Evo or 296 Challenge
Get in touch for more details, pricing and to make a booking here: enquiries@ffcorse.com.
Get Behind the Wheel With 1-To-1 Training at Snetterton
With the Racing Women Global Competition just around the corner, getting some extra seat time is key if you want to get ahead of the game.
Are you in the UK? Do you have a valid driving license? Ever wondered how fast you could really be with no speed limits?
Join their next Track Day and get 1-to-1 coaching designed to bring out your true potential behind the wheel.
There are three packages available to suit your experience level and budget:
- Intro to Racing: 2×20-minute sessions – £199 incl. VAT
- Intermediate Training: 4×20-minute sessions – £350 incl. VAT
- Full Day Coaching on Track – £699 incl. VAT
Each package features 1-to-1 personal coaching from an experienced instructor, automatic and manual training cars, fuel and mechanical support and personalized feedback and racing career advice.
This track day is a great way to prepare for the upcoming assessment days in the global competition, sign up now to get ahead of the game! Book your spot now.
Author: Mark Boudreau
Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.
